Tag Archives: Shopping

Three Habits That Happy People Practice Every Holiday Season

Once Upon a Line, , , ,

So far, tips have been shared to help battle stress, now it’s time to take a deep dive into the most troubling concerns. Battling and overcoming stress during the holidays can be a challenge to anyone. Overcommitting, gift buying, and carrying on traditions, are three of the most stressful areas that can ruin a cheerful season

There are a number of things that can lead to this type of stress: family gatherings, coping with loss, busy stores, long lines, gift buying, conflicts, add to this list.  Last month I shared useful post regarding handling conflicts during gatherings.  Later this month, I will address handling loss. You may also have high expectations that add to the stress of your holiday season.

Long gone are the days in which the season was highly anticipated and there was a sense of magic in the air. As an adult, you may find the season to be more stressful than joyous. Unfortunately, these days, you may even consider holiday stress as a necessary holiday tradition! Here are some methods you can use to battle and overcome stress during the holidays

1. Are you overcommitted? The holidays normally come with many social gatherings that most of us feel we must attend. The fact is that you don’t have to go to every event you’re invited to. Saying “no thank you” to some of the invitations will free up more time for yourself! It’s important to remember and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

If it takes saying “no” to preserve some of your sanity, go for it! Others will be more understanding than you give them credit for. Don’t become so burdened that you secretly wish for the season to pass quickly. Take time to be by yourself. Whether you take a yoga class or a bubble bath, allow yourself to do something enjoyable without worrying about the holiday stress.

2. Carrying on traditions. Growing up, we may have seen our mothers cook a full course Christmas dinner. Perhaps it was routine to host a lavish holiday party. Maybe your family baked hundreds of Christmas cookies to give to friends and relatives. Tradition is good but don’t allow yourself to become so wrapped up in tradition that it consumes you. 

If you find the routine you normally follow for the pure and simple sake of tradition is weighing on you and resulting in more stress than you can deal with, break away from it! You will be happier. Rather than living up to the expectations of years past, start your own, easy-going traditions. Instead of throwing a lavish party, have fewer friends over for tea and cookies. Allow other family members to bring side dishes to the holiday meal rather than cooking it all yourself.

3. Finding the perfect gift. There’s too much pressure to purchase the perfect gift for each person that it takes all the fun out of shopping. Remember, people are generally appreciative for whatever gift they receive. They don’t expect you to go to every corner of the Earth to find them a spectacular gift. Save time and money by skipping the wrapping! Creativity is the main focus.

You can give gifts that can be used throughout the year. For example, you may give a coupon in a card for a free night of babysitting, one day of yard work, or other special things. Shopping online has made searching for gifts much easier. It might also be more cost effective to buy online because many stores offer special sales or free shipping near the holidays. 

I hope you agree that these very simple, yet effective habits can help giftyou overcome stress during the holidays. The key is to determine what’s causing your stress so you can eliminate it. In the end, you’ll see that most of the stress you experience is a result of the expectations you impose on yourself. 

I hope you found these three simple suggestions useful. How will you implement them this year?! Comment below, or share with your overworked and stressed out friend or relative.

To Your Success,
Juan

 

    30 Sumthin’

    Advice, Life Lessons, Lists, , , , , , ,

    At the ripe age of 30 sumthin’, life has taught me valuable lessons. Some were harsh and unforgiving. While others were beautiful and lasting. Yea, I know what you are thinking; did she say 30 sumthin? Yep. Sure did. I know. Don’t look it. Thank heavens for good genes. Lmao. Through it all, like anyone else, I have laughed. Cried. Been driven to anger. And desperation.Denied some were happening. Loved. Lost. Begged for forgiveness. Persevered. Overcame. The entire lot. I can’t imagine what the next few decades will bring my way. Permit me to share some bits with you.

    1) No one can take the place of family, but some people come pretty close.

    2) You can’t change people. And some people will never change.

    3) Sometimes, you have to stop waiting for the perfect moment(s) and take the risk.

    4) People will let you down. They are only human.

    5) Things always look better the next morning.

    6) The only person you should compare yourself to, is the person you used to be.

    7) You cannot please everyone. Don’t bother trying.

    8) Sometimes you have to lose to win.

    9) Crying is NOT a sign of weakness. It actually cleanses the soul.

    10) If you are stuck in one place, perhaps there is trouble ahead.

    11) Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.

    12) Everyone makes mistakes. If it happens again, it’s a choice

    13) Don’t judge, everyone is fighting a different battle.

    14) We teach people how to treat us.

    15) Sometimes good things fall apart, so better things can come together

    16) Today will never come again.

    17) You know their name. Not their story.

    18) In every heart, there is sorrow the eye can’t see

    19)” When someone has a problem with you. It’s their problem. Not yours”.

    20) Don’t change to impress anyone.

    21) Tomorrow is not promised to us.

    22) “Don’t take people for granted. No matter how much they love you, people get tired”

    23) No matter how much you guard and protect your heart, you are still going to get hurt.

    24) You cannot love another, until you love yourself.

    25) You are fabulous! Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

    26) Try to live each day as if it was your last.

    27) No matter how bad things look now, they will get better.

    28) “No matter how much you revisit the past; there is nothing new to see”.

    29) Everyone has skeletons in their closet.

    30) It’s okay to ask for help.

    31) No one can take your place in this universe.

    32) If something is meant to be, it will always find a way.

    33) Treat people how they could be.

    34) If you walk away from a relationship and he/she does not chase you, keep walking.

    35) “Everyone comes with baggage; find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack”

    Until the next post,

    Best,

    Juan